Community, agricultural, transport, and rail safety representatives on Tuesday stood on the steps of State Parliament alongside Nationals WA leader Shane Love to back the party’s rail safety Bill ahead of its August debate during national rail safety week.

Mr Love said the strong support from regional communities, industry and safety advocates showed there was broad backing for a practical, commonsense reform that could help prevent future tragedies.

Representatives from WAFarmers, the National Farmers Federation, TRANSAFE WA, the Transport Workers Union WA branch, the Country Women’s Association of WA, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association of WA and the Livestock and Rural Transport Association of WA joined advocate Lara Jensen and Nationals representatives at Parliament House to highlight the broad coalition of support behind the rail safety Bill.

“The people standing with us today, on the steps of Parliament House, represent thousands of West Australians who live, work and travel through regional communities every day,” Mr Love said.

“Western Australia has an opportunity to lead the nation in rail safety reform, and I urge all members of Parliament to put safety first and support this Bill when it comes before Parliament in August.

“I would also urge community members concerned by road safety to jump online to our email campaign website and send a message to the Premier.”

Rail safety advocate Ms Jensen said the Bill reflected decades of advocacy, expert recommendations and community concern, including calls for action after the tragic Yarramony Road rail crossing crash in 2000.

“Families, communities and safety advocates have worked for years to have this issue recognised,” she said.

“The support now being shown from across regional Western Australia, agriculture, transport and community organisations demonstrates that people understand the importance of improving train visibility and reducing risk at passive crossings.”

The Bill will be debated in August during national rail safety week and would require trains operating in WA to meet minimum visibility standards, including flashing warning beacons, side lighting and enhanced reflective measures to improve safety at passive rail crossings.